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www.dementiability.com

DementiAbility: Our Mission & Focus

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Mission

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Our mission is to spread evidence-based knowledge about how to effectively support those who are living with dementia. The aim is to educate all those who are connected to the web of dementia by providing education that connects knowledge with practice and to create, and make available, resources that are aimed at helping people with dementia to maintain/enhance function while also providing a world where they are engaged in meaningful and purposeful activity, according to needs, interests, skills and abilities. Our focus is on creating opportunities for the person with dementia to support & enrich the body, mind and spirit in a prepared environment.

About DementiAbility
DementiAbility focuses on delivering education AND creating resources for those who are connected to the world of dementia. The emphasis is on connecting research with practice, with the purpose of offering strategies that are aimed at supporting function while also providing programming ideas that are aimed at keeping people with dementia engaged in life and living. Current research on dementia has proven that when the mind, body and soul (which includes social, cultural and spiritual domains) are engaged, we can build reserves and circumvent some of the deficits associated with the dementia. Statistically, Alzheimers is the most significant cause of disability in Canadians over the age of 65 (Alzheimers Society of Canada, 2013). DementiAbility strives to remov e the focus that is too often placed on disability -replacing it with a focus on ability.

Who benefits?
1. The person with dementia.
Individuals who are challenged by cognitive loss will benefit when their providers of care learn about the evidence-based strategies that are discussed in our workshops. DementiAbility Methods The Montessori Way focuses on knowing the person, making observations and then creating a plan that is aimed at addressing the needs of each person with dementia, according to interests, skills and abilities. The focus is on person-centred care in a prepared environment. Our Validation workshop focuses on effective communication strategies for dementia and our Memory Interventions workshop focuses on strategies that are aimed at supporting and improving memory loss. The overall focus is adding quality to life.

2. The person providing support.

The person providing dementia support, and care, benefits from these workshops. Workshop participants are provided with current knowledge and, during the workshop, they are provided with opportunities to test their understanding of the materials using case examples and role-plays. They will learn about innovative, evidenced-based strategies that are aimed at enhancing function and quality of life in the persons with dementia, with the objective or enhancing the lives of both the person with dementia and the providers of support and care.

Who should take our workshops?

Everyone working in dementia care should take this workshop, including:
Recreation Planners Nurses Personal Support Workers Social Workers Administrators Occupational Therapists Volunteers Family Physiotherapists Educators

Course Offerings
DementiAbility Methods: The Montessori Way (2-day workshop)
Note: This is also referred to as Montessori Methods for Dementia

This two-day program focuses on an evidence-based, innovative method of working with older adults who are living with cognitive loss. Research has provided clear evidence of increased levels of engagement and participation in activities when Montessori approaches are implemented with persons with dementia. Participants in this workshop will learn about spared capacity in dementia, the basic principles of Montessori programming, and how to create environmental supports that are aimed at supporting function. This workshop provides practical hands-on opportunities to apply the techniques and consider how this philosophy of care can be adopted for their clients and programs.

Certification
The half-day DementiAbility Certification workshop provides you with the opportunity to take the workshop material from the two-day Montessori Methods for Dementia seminar and put it into practice. Visit our website to learn more. Pre-requisite: Completion of the 2-day workshop.

Validation Communication Memory Interventions

Many people are challenged when it comes to communicating with people who are cognitively impaired. This one-day workshop will provide a number of verbal and non-verbal techniques that focus on understanding and enhancing communication in dementia care. This workshop will focus on memory strategies for dementia and other cognitive impairments, such as ABI. The objective is to teach you new strategies, including how to use the spaced retrieval technique, an evidenced based memory intervention that teaches people to remember information (such as where their room is) and/or strategies (e.g. to grab the arms of a chair before sitting).

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Examples of our Resources
Check out our website to find more resources some are free/ downloadable others are available for purchase. Also, find a link to BKRC-Art Effects for wayfinding & artistic resources. A Carry on Reading group role-play at a 2-day workshop.

Carry on Reading Series

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The Carry on Reading Series features books designed for people with dementia. Discover the benefits of running small reading groups with 2-6 people, where each person holds his/her own book. This series features a variety of topics ranging from health and the body to historical figures, inventions and culture.

Montessori Methods for Dementia

This is a must have book for anybody who is interested in putting Montessori Methods for Dementia into practice.

The Work it Series FREE download

Also for sale as laminated & paper copies.
The Work it series has been created to provide opportunities for people with dementia to stimulate their brains. In other words, lets Work It.

The Move it Series FREE download

Research has proven that yoga stretches increase cognitive function. The Move It series features instructional yoga poses that are designed for three different levels of ability.

About the Creator

Gail Elliot, BASc., MA

DementiAbility Enterprises Inc. was founded by Gail Elliot, BASc, MA, Gerontologist & Dementia Specalist, in 2012. Gails work is being used across Canada and has also been implemented globally. In Ontario, the Ministry of Health has adopted this workshop as one of its four educational programs for dementia & it is included as one of the core courses in the McMaster University Geriatric Certificate Program, in Hamilton, ON. She works closely with the Occupational Therapists Association of Hong Kong, Montessori for Dementia Australia and Dr. Cameron Camp in the USA. Gail is pleased to have an exceptional team of staff and teachers working with her. See our website to learn more about the Dementiability team and the many resources that have been created to support dementia care.

What people are saying:

Gail an excellent instructor! I am 57 and if long term care continues in this direction I may look forward to being a resident someday! Registered Nurse Thanks! One of the best workshops I have ever attended! I have been in long term care for 22 years. HCA The workshop has provided me with new strategies to engage clients with dementia and has reinforced my knowledge that all individuals are capable of adopting roles and being engaged in something! - Cultural Resource Specialist

How do I find out about workshops & get registered?

1) Register online at www.dementiability.com 2) Print & fax completed form to: 905-849-8755 3) Mail completed form to: DementiAbility Enterprises Inc. 2185 Grenville Dr., Suite 101 Oakville, ON, CANADA L6H 4X1

www.dementiability.com